Looking for the best beaches near Eksjö? The town is surrounded by clear forest lakes, quiet countryside and family friendly bathing places, making it easy to enjoy a refreshing swim without travelling far. From sandy municipal beaches close to the town centre to peaceful lakeside spots within an hour by car, this guide covers the most appealing beaches and swimming spots for a day beside the water.
Why Eksjö is a great base for lake swimming
Eksjö sits in the Swedish province of Småland, an area known for deep forests, traditional red cottages and countless lakes. The region does not have a coastline, but its inland beaches offer many of the same pleasures as a seaside trip. You can swim in calm water, relax on a small patch of sand, jump from a bathing jetty or find a quiet rock surrounded by pine trees.
Most swimming places around Eksjö are informal lake beaches rather than large resorts. Facilities vary from one location to another. Some have toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables and small piers, while others offer little more than a sandy shore and a place to leave your towel. Always follow local signs, check water safety information and remember that many Swedish bathing areas are not supervised by lifeguards.
The best beaches near Eksjö
1. Hunsnäsen beach in Eksjö
Hunsnäsen is one of the easiest places to swim when you are staying in Eksjö. The lake lies close to the town and is a convenient choice for a quick dip, a relaxed afternoon or an uncomplicated family outing. The bathing area has a pleasant lakeside setting, with open views across the water and woodland around the shore.
This is a practical option if you do not have a car or want to combine swimming with sightseeing in Eksjö. You can spend the morning exploring the historic wooden town centre, then walk or drive out to the lake later in the day. The water is usually calm, which makes Hunsnäsen suitable for casual swimming and paddling. Bring a picnic, as food options directly beside the beach may be limited outside the main summer period.
2. Långanäsbadet
Långanäsbadet is another popular bathing place near Eksjö and a strong candidate for the best beaches near Eksjö if you want a more traditional Swedish lake beach. The setting combines a sandy shore with forest scenery, giving the area a peaceful atmosphere even when other visitors are enjoying the water.
The beach is well suited to families, sunbathers and visitors who want more room than a small town swimming spot can provide. Depending on the season, you may find a jetty, changing facilities and other basic amenities. As with all local bathing places, facilities can change, so it is sensible to check current information before setting out. Early morning visits are especially enjoyable when the lake is still and the surrounding woods are quiet.
3. Hultabadet at Hult
The village of Hult, north of Eksjö, offers a quieter alternative to the busier beaches closer to town. Hultabadet is a good choice for travellers who enjoy small community beaches and a more rural setting. The surrounding landscape is typical of Småland, with woodland, farmland and peaceful roads leading towards the lake.
This swimming spot works well for a short stop during a drive through the countryside. It may not have the extensive facilities found at larger municipal beaches, but that is part of its appeal. Pack everything you need, including drinks, snacks, towels and sun protection. The shore is particularly attractive on a warm summer afternoon when you want to swim, read and enjoy the quiet rather than plan a full day of activities.
4. The beach at Hjältevad
Hjältevad is a small community to the east of Eksjö, and its local bathing place is worth considering if you are exploring the eastern side of the municipality. The beach has a relaxed, local character and gives visitors a chance to enjoy a lake without the crowds that can gather at more famous destinations.
Hjältevad is best for travellers who appreciate simple swimming areas and scenic drives. The route from Eksjö passes through classic Småland countryside, so the journey is part of the experience. Check the weather and local signs before swimming, especially after heavy rain or during periods of unusually warm weather when water quality information can be important.
5. Nömmen and the bathing places around Nässjö
Nässjö is within a manageable driving distance of Eksjö and gives you several additional choices for a day beside the water. The area around Lake Nömmen is particularly attractive, with open stretches of water, wooded shorelines and small places to stop for swimming. Local beaches and bathing areas may vary in size and facilities, so choose your location according to whether you want a family beach, a quiet picnic site or a place for a quick swim.
Nässjö is a useful destination when you want to combine swimming with cafés, shops or a walk through town. The nearby lakes also provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing and birdwatching. Always keep boats and other water users in mind when entering the lake, and supervise children closely where the bottom becomes deeper near a jetty.
6. Handskerydsbadet in Nässjö
Handskerydsbadet, beside Lake Handskeryd in Nässjö, is one of the more convenient swimming spots for visitors travelling from Eksjö. It has the feel of a proper public bathing area, making it a reliable option for families and anyone who prefers a beach with basic amenities.
The combination of a shore, swimming water and nearby town services makes Handskerydsbadet easy to include in a day trip. You can bring a packed lunch or buy supplies in Nässjö before heading to the lake. The beach is most appealing during the warmest part of summer, but the surrounding area is also pleasant for a walk in spring or early autumn.
7. Eksjöhovgårdssjön in Sävsjö
Sävsjö lies southwest of Eksjö and is known for its lake close to the town centre. Eksjöhovgårdssjön offers a scenic place to swim, with green surroundings and easy access to local services. It is a good alternative when you want a change of scenery but do not want to travel all the way to Lake Vättern.
The lake is suitable for a relaxed day outdoors, particularly if you enjoy combining swimming with walking. The area around Sävsjö has paths, gardens and countryside views, so you can make the outing longer than a simple beach visit. Bring suitable footwear if you plan to explore beyond the main shore, since some parts of the lakeside may be grassy, rocky or uneven.
8. Nossen beach in Vimmerby
Vimmerby is a little farther from Eksjö, but Nossen beach is one of the most appealing choices for a full day trip. Lake Nossen is close to the town and offers a pleasant sandy beach, clear water and space for swimming and sunbathing. It is especially popular with families during the Swedish summer holidays.
A visit to Nossen can be combined with Vimmerby’s attractions, restaurants and cafés. Families may also choose to combine the beach with a visit to Astrid Lindgren’s World, although you will need to plan enough time for both. Because Nossen is a popular destination, arrive earlier in the day if you want a good place on the sand during the busiest weeks of July.
9. Hätte beach at Lake Sommen
For a longer excursion, head towards Tranås and Hätte beach on Lake Sommen. This is one of the more substantial beaches within reach of Eksjö, with a broad lakeside setting and a range of opportunities for swimming and relaxing. Lake Sommen is famous for its large size, islands and attractive wooded shoreline.
Hätte is a good choice for visitors who want a beach day with more space and a livelier atmosphere. The area can be busy in fine weather, but the lake is large enough to create a sense of openness. Tranås is nearby for lunch, groceries or an evening meal. If you want to explore more of the lake, look into boat trips, canoe hire and walking routes in the surrounding countryside.
10. Beaches around Lake Sommen
Hätte is not the only place to swim around Lake Sommen. Several smaller bathing areas and natural shoreline spots can be found around the lake, particularly near villages and holiday communities. These places are worth considering if you prefer a quieter setting than the main public beach.
Because access and facilities differ widely, research the exact location before driving out. Some areas are reached by narrow roads and may have limited parking. Do not block access for residents or emergency vehicles, and take rubbish home if there are no bins. A quiet Sommen beach can be ideal for a picnic, a short swim and an evening watching the light change over the water.
How to choose between the beaches near Eksjö
Best for families
Hunsnäsen, Långanäsbadet, Handskerydsbadet and Nossen are among the easiest choices for families. Look for a gently sloping shore, shallow water, room for children to play and facilities close by. Even at a family friendly beach, adults should stay within reach of young children. Swedish lakes can become deep quickly, especially beside jetties and rocky shorelines.
Best for peace and nature
Smaller bathing places around Hult, Hjältevad and Lake Sommen are better suited to visitors who want a quiet landscape. These beaches may have fewer facilities, but they offer more privacy and a stronger sense of being in the countryside. Pack a picnic, bring a rubbish bag and avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.
Best for a full day trip
Nossen and Hätte are excellent choices when swimming is only one part of your plans. Vimmerby provides family attractions and historic interest, while Tranås offers town services and access to the wider Lake Sommen area. Both destinations require more driving than the beaches in Eksjö, so check opening times and road conditions before leaving.
Useful tips for swimming in Småland lakes
- Check the weather forecast before travelling. Wind can make an exposed lake beach feel much cooler than expected.
- Look for signs about water quality, algae and temporary swimming restrictions. Do not swim where local authorities advise against it.
- Bring water shoes if you are unsure whether the lake bottom is sandy, muddy or rocky.
- Pack a towel, sun protection, drinking water and food, especially when visiting smaller beaches with no kiosk.
- Keep children close to the shore and be careful around diving platforms, boats and drop offs.
- Use designated parking areas and leave space for local residents and emergency services.
- Take rubbish with you when bins are full or unavailable. Sweden’s lakeside nature is at its best when visitors leave no trace.
- Remember that lake water can remain cold even during a warm spell, particularly in deeper areas.
Getting to the best beaches near Eksjö
A car is the most convenient way to reach the wider selection of beaches and swimming spots around Eksjö. Hunsnäsen and other places close to town may be accessible by bicycle, depending on where you are staying. For beaches in Nässjö, Sävsjö, Vimmerby and Tranås, driving gives you more flexibility and makes it easier to carry picnic equipment, towels and outdoor gear.
Use a current map or navigation app for the final section of your journey. A bathing place may be signposted from a main road but still require a short drive along a smaller local road. In rural areas, mobile coverage can be less reliable, so downloading directions in advance is useful. Public transport may be possible for some town beaches, but the last distance to the lake is not always straightforward.
When to visit the beaches near Eksjö
The main swimming season runs from late June through August, when daylight hours are long and water temperatures are most comfortable. July usually brings the warmest weather, although it is also the busiest month. Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want a quieter beach and softer light for photographs.
Late spring and early autumn can also be rewarding. The water may be colder, but the forests around Eksjö are beautiful, with fresh green leaves in spring and rich colour in September and October. Even when it is too cool for a long swim, the lakes provide lovely settings for walking, picnics and peaceful breaks during a Småland road trip.